Agri minister Chouhan says farmers' interests will be protected amid US trade talks

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that trade deal with the US and other countries will be signed without affecting the interests of the country’s farmers.

The remarks come amid reports of differences between India and the US over agriculture and dairy sector delaying the conclusion of the trade deal.

"The point is that any agreement will be made keeping the interests of Indian farmers in mind,” Chouhan said on July 7 during the 11th Maize Summit, organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

New Delhi and Washington has been engaged over the past few weeks in an intense negotiation to conclude the agreement before US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs end.

Moneycontrol had earlier reported that both the nations may sign a mini trade deal before the July 9 deadline and leave sensitive subjects such as agriculture and dairy for the later phases.

Moreover, the agriculture minister said he believes in “One Nation and One Agriculture” and everyone, including state and central governments along with academia and industry needs to work together.

"...I wanted to request FICCI to discuss intensively and send me recommendations... We want to create a team for farming. We need to work in different directions, including the state government, central government, scientists, farmers, agricultural universities, and industry. I believe in 'One Nation, One Agriculture,' and 'One Agriculture, One Team.'